University at Buffalo Partners with Zipcar to Offer Green Transportation Option

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Today the University at Buffalo (UB) launched a new partnership with Zipcar Inc., providing the campus with access to the world's leading car-sharing service. The cost-effective and convenient transportation option is now available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to all students, faculty and staff members, ages 18 and older. Zipcar is an environmentally friendly alternative that supports UB's Climate Action Plan and its efforts to improve campus sustainability. Every Zipcar takes 15 to 20 privately owned vehicles off the road.

Zipcar makes freedom, cost savings and helping the environment extremely easy for UB. Gas, 180 miles per day, insurance, reserved parking spots and roadside assistance are included in the hourly and daily Zipcar rates. Cars can be reserved for as short as an hour or for up to four days. Rates on all UB vehicles start as low as $8 per hour and $66 per day (24 hours).

The annual membership fee for anyone affiliated with UB is only $35 and UB applicants receive $35 worth of free driving credit that applies towards their first month of driving. UB students, faculty and staff can join at http://www.zipcar.com/ub.

"After a very thorough analysis, we are excited to include a car-sharing service in our alternative transportation program, UB Carfree, that meets all the needs of our campus community," said Maria Wallace, director of Parking and Transportation Services at the University at Buffalo. "In addition, Zipcar supports UB's commitment to reducing or offsetting our greenhouse gas emissions. This new offering will help us ease congestion and ultimately reduce the university's carbon footprint."

Cars are self service; they can be easily reserved and accessed 24 hours a day. UB Zipcars will be located in convenient spaces in high demand areas. Three vehicles will be located on the North Campus: one at the UB Student Union and two in the Fargo Lot. In addition, one vehicle will be located at the South Campus' Goodyear Hall. Zipcar even offers a fun and functional iPhone app that will honk the horn to locate a Zipcar and unlock the doors for members.

"Our proven, car sharing service and technology has been a perfect match for many universities across North American and the UK looking to provide a cost effective and convenient alternative to bringing a car to campus," said Matthew Malloy, vice president of global university operations at Zipcar. "The service provides a new level of freedom for students, faculty and staff and relieves the financial burden parents face when sending their kids to college with a car that sits idle most of the time. Members can use Zipcars to run errands, attend meetings or get away for the weekend but on a pay-as-you-go basis. You no longer need to own to be free."

Environmental stewardship is a primary focus of "Building UB," the university's master physical plan for its three campuses. UB's relationship with Zipcar underscores the university's commitment to green initiatives and campus sustainability, a primary institutional priority that was formalized when UB President John B. Simpson in 2007 signed the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment. The commitment pledges the university to achieving "climate-neutrality" by reducing or offsetting all of its greenhouse gas emissions.

Zipcar has established partnerships with more than 200 universities, including Syracuse University, SUNY Geneseo, SUNY Oswego, SUNY Purchase and the University of Rochester. Zipcar utilizes a network of local vendors to service and clean its fleet.

For more information, including how to enroll in Zipcar at the University at Buffalo, please visit: http://www.zipcar.com/ub.

About Zipcar

Zipcar operates in urban areas and college campuses throughout the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. Zipcar offers more than 30 makes and models of self-service vehicles by the hour or day to residents and businesses looking for an alternative to the high costs and hassles of owning a car.

About the University at Buffalo

The University at Buffalo is a premier research-intensive public university, a flagship institution in the State University of New York system and its largest and most comprehensive campus. UB's more than 28,000 students pursue their academic interests through more than 300 undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programs. Founded in 1846, the University at Buffalo is a member of the Association of American Universities.